Abstract

One of the remaining subjects of interest for laser ablation propulsion study is whether special benefits or challenges exist when applying a particularly large or small laser spot area to a target. This subject is of high importance for topics including laser removal of space debris, micropropulsion, and design of laser propulsion vehicles. Analysis of spot area-dependent effects is complex since ablation phenomena differ between atmosphere and vacuum conditions. Progress has
also been impeded by the difficulty of setting control parameters (particularly fluence) constant while the spot area is adjusted. It is virtually impossible for one group to address small- and large-area effects using a single high-power laser system. Recent collaborative experiments using 100-J class
and 10-J class CO2 lasers have advanced the understanding of laser propulsion area scaling. Experiments were conducted below the threshold for plasma formation. The dependence of various laser propulsion parameters on the laser spot area has been investigated within areas covering approximately 0.5-50 cm2 on the target.